The onset of the juvenile period in carp, Cyprinus carpio: a literature survey

Abstract

Synopsis Literature data on the relative growth of body parts, functional morphology, feeding behaviour and differential growth capacity in 0+ carp, Cyprinus carpio, were relatively consistent with respect to the onset of the juvenile period in this species, which occurs at 20–25 mm standard length (20–30 days after hatching), when the process of metamorphosis (larva–juvenile transition) is regarded as complete and the definitive phenotype is attained. However, changes in metabolic rate, development of social interactions and shifts in habitat use suggest that carp are not 'small adults' until they attain a greater size and age. Problems relative to the global heterogeneity of carp stocks, including wild and domesticated morphs, and the importance of an holistic approach to the study of metamorphosis in carp, and fish in general, are also discussed.